I’ve Learned a Few Things
14 Feb
I expected to have all the answers by the time my two digit age started with a “3.” Well, despite turning 34 yesterday I can honestly say that I have very few answers and a whole lot of questions. But I have picked up a few things over the years. Just a few things. And these I know for sure:
The little brother who drove you completely crazy when you were younger? He’ll turn out to be your best friend. He will know you so well that he’ll visit your favorite store and buy you a birthday gift. He’ll pick out a Joie shirt you saw in InStyle and a sweater that you love but would never buy for yourself because it is too expensive.
You will be speechless and touched.
The parents that used to drive you nuts when you were a kid? They are listening when you randomly mention how much you love everything in the Lucy catalogue. Then they will go and buy you all of it. In the right size.
They will also continue the tradition of getting you a Valentine’s gift, despite the fact you turned 34. They will buy you two of your favorite things - books and chocolate.
You will spend your birthday evening grateful that they bought you stretch pants as you consume way too much of the aforementioned chocolate.
Your in-laws? The ones who often treat you better than they treat their own son? They will overwhelm you by buying you a new handbag, even though you insisted you didn’t want or need anything for your birthday.
And after the initial shock wears off, you will immediately switch all of your stuff to your new purse and carry it around in awe for the rest of the day.
The nearly 5-year-old who drives you completely mad on a daily basis? She will put her feet up on the table at your birthday lunch and you will want to smack her silly.
Then she’ll insist on spitting on blowing out the candles on your birthday dessert. And she’ll eat the whole thing.
But she looks so cute in the Valentine’s Day outfit you gave her that you’ll forgive her. Just barely. But you’ll forgive her.
The husband? The one whose bad habits you make fun of on your blog? He will find you a restaurant that serves homemade chips and guacamole because that is the ONLY thing you want to have for your birthday dinner.
And you will eat way too many chips with guacamole for dinner. Because it’s your birthday.
But the most important thing that I’ve learned thus far? While it is nice to receive so many thoughtful, beautiful gifts for your birthday, the best gift ever are the amazing people in your life.
And I am grateful for all of them.
